By Sulaymon Ruqoya
November 18th, 2024
Nigerian Afro-house sensation Niniola Apata, widely known as Niniola, has opened up about her decision to remain an independent artist despite receiving numerous offers from record labels.
The singer, who gained prominence after competing in the sixth season of *Project Fame West Africa* in 2013, shared her insights during an interview with TVC, reflecting on her decade-long journey as an independent musician.
“For 10 years, I have been an independent artist,” she explained. “There are pros and cons of signing with a record label. I have seen the business side of doing music, which a lot of people don’t see—they just focus only on making music.”
Niniola emphasized the importance of creative control and the freedom to define her artistic style without interference. “Being an independent artist gives me the opportunity to also do what I want. I’m in charge of my creativity,” she said.
She recounted her hesitation to sign with a label after the success of her debut single, explaining her fear of losing her unique Afro-house sound. “At that time, nobody was doing Afro-house. They can dictate what you do because they are the ones financing you,” she added.
For Niniola, creative freedom outweighs the financial backing and structure that record labels might offer. “For me, creative freedom is one of the major pros of being an indie artist,” she concluded.
Her journey underscores the challenges and rewards of navigating the music industry independently while staying true to one’s vision.